Photo Copyright: Maggie May
From the time we moved into this late Victorian house when our children were very young, Harry and I have lived with the plain glass panel on the side of the porch door. It is obvious that it was a replacement of a broken stained glass one.
We did vaguely wish it hadn't been broken and we did try second hand glass shops to see if there were any spare ones for sale, to no avail.
We got used to the look and didn't seem to worry about it or notice how odd it must look to other people.
You might remember that Paula made this lovely cross out of stained glass, held together with lead last Easter when I wasn't well.
I was really pleased with it.
I see her in our Church regularly and she came round quite a bit when I was in and out of chemo, never knowing quite what I would be like from one day to the next. Some days we went out walking when I was getting stronger.
I was really pleased when she offered to make me a side panel to match the other one but I did think it was rather ambitious and wondered if she would change her mind when it sunk in just how fiddly it would be.
No......... I was wrong, patterns were made and glass ordered.
Paula popped over one evening straight from night school and showed me how she was fitting it all in together.
When she explained how it was being done and each piece individually cut, it made me realise that this task was not for the faint hearted.
It was like fitting a jigsaw together and no two pieces were exactly the same size.
The glass has been matched up to the best of our ability but obviously will not be a perfect match. How could it be, with some of the glass over a hundred years old and some really modern? I think it will look much better than the plain glass panel though.
Paula is making the complete window in three sections and then they will be fitted into the frame with special metal ties.
My son, being a carpenter, will be able to fit it in place.
We will then have to think of some way to prevent it getting broken again.
Haven't I got a clever friend and aren't I lucky?
32 comments:
a labor of love...how wonderful. I love stained glass
Wow! What a lovely, thoughtful friend you have. We live in an ex-police house so an appropriate stained glass door just might add a quirky entrance don't you think!
I should pull up a web video on how stained glass art is created. I have always heard it is a detailed time consuming art but have never wrapped my brain on just how it goes. It certainly is a beautiful medium and you are blessed to have such art in your home for the sun light to dance through. It is also a blessing to have such a friend. I look forward to seeing the completed project.
Blessings to you today.
its lovely I love stained glass
I love stained glass, it will be worth it. By the way I've moved home... blog home that is, I only did it today. Blogger didn't love me anymore and wouldn't let me in so I've had to start a new blog. ho hum ;0)
What a wonderful friend Maggie, it will look absolutely wonderful. Have a great weekend....:-0Hugs
It is wonderful that you have such a friend. Think of the beautiful light that the window will let in that will reflect the light of your friendship.
Brilliant, Maggie, I'm looking forward to seeing it. Wonderful design and the lady is veru talented. Look so much better aleady.
You're very lucky to have your friend take on this project for you. That is very special indeed. I do like stained glass very much and appreciate the art of making it. I always love it in old churches.
XOX
That's going to look really lovely. What a kind friend.
What a wonderful gift to treasure forever more.
Maggie, hang onto your friend! She's a treasure; I got stained glass in my door, about the same size as your panel cost me €600! Mind you, every time the sun shines through it, I think how worthwhile it was, cos I LOVE it!
Your door is beautiful. It's a pity that craft like that is dying out.
Please post pictures when the door is finished, I'd love to see it.
It's amazing what we can get used to, and don't even notice on a daily basis after a while!
What a wonderful friend .. and so talented too. Friends such as Paula are treasures. Then again, so is her friend Maggie.
Wow! That's beautiful and how satisfying to have it balanced at last.
Is there anything more lovely and magical than the sun shining through stained glass? What beautiful work!
A beautiful stained glass window for a beautiful lady. My darling you have the friend that you deserve.
How wonderful - what a special gift from a very special friend. Her work is beautiful.
Sending care and cosily warm huggles, Michelle and Zebby
Maggie, what a lovely gift your friend is giving you and, every single time you look at that door, Paula will be in your heart and mind! She is, indeed, a treasure.
Clever indeed!! And it is going to be beautiful!!! What a dear friend you have there. What a blessing!!
Hugs
SueAnn
Your friend is probably enjoying the challenge and will be able to see the finished work every time she visits you.
I love stained glass windows so much so this post was right up my street! Great that you have such a talented helpful friend to help you to. x
It's going to look gorgeous when it's all done and up there. Congrats!
There's an award for you over at mine Maggie xx
How wonderful that your friend wants to bless you in this way! I'm sure the glass will be a constant reminder of her and her love.
Oh my goodness, that is beautiful. I absolutely love stained glass. It would look perfect in my old farm house.
CJ xx
Oh how wonderful,what a great friend. I can't wait to see it in your door! Stained glass is just so beautiful. :)
There certainly won't be another one like it. It will be unique! and maybe very valuable? What talented friend you have.
Very clever and thoughtful - it will look fantastic.
Wow! How clever and kind is your friend. That's amazing!
You are indeed lucky to have such a thoughtful friend! This looks beautiful, and I know it's going to look even more so once it's in place.
Yes and wow! How fab!
woow! its a very interesting glass panel! Someday, I'd love to make on for my family. it has vibrant colors and can easily attract the eyes of any visitor in the house. good job! :)
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